275 



and the hypogynoug seta? of Scirpus and other Cyperaceae. But on account 

 of the presence of a perianthium, and of their polyspermous three-celled capsule, 

 Gillicsiene may perhaps be with most propriety referred to the neighbourhood 

 of Restiaceaa, whose imbricated inflorescence does not offer any very powerful 

 obstacle." 



At this time the structure of the seeds was unknown : I have since been able 

 to ascertain their nature, in consequence of a supply having been given me by 

 Mr. Cruikshanks. The result of their examination, while it strengthens the 

 opinion of their vicinity to Asphodeleae, and weakens that of a relation to Res- 

 tiacese, does not induce me to alter my view of them as constituting a small 

 but distinct order. 



Geography. Chilian bulbs. 



Properties. Unknown. 



Examples. Gillicsia, Miersia. 



CCXLIX. SMILACE^E. The Smilax Tribe. 



Asparagi, Ju?s. Gen. (1789) in part. — Smilaceje, R. Brown, Prodr. 292. (1810); Lindl. 

 Synopa. 270. (1829).— Trilliace-e, Dec. Ess. Med. 294. (1816).— Asparageje, Dec. and 

 Duby, 458. (1828).— Asparagine.e, Ach. Rich. Diet. Class. 2. 20. 1822; Nouv. Elem. cd. 

 4. 430. (1829).— Smilacinje, Link Hanb. 1. 275. (1829).— Paride*, lb. 277. (1829).— Con- 

 vallariace*, lb. 184. (1829) a sect, of Liliacese. 



Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with a superior ovarium, 

 anthers turned inwards, a coloured perianthium, a 3-celled succulent fruit, a 

 membranous testa, and a triple style. 



Anomalies. Tamus has the ovarium inferior. The parts of the flower are 

 quaternary in Paris. 



Essential Characters. — Flowers monoclinous or dicecious. Calyx and corolla confounded, 

 inferior, petaloid, (i-partcd. Stamens 6, inserted into the perianthium near the base; seldom 

 hypoarynous. Ovarium 3-celled, the cells 1- or many-seeded; style usually trifid; stigmas 3. 

 fruit a roundish berry. Seeds with a membranous testa (not black or brittle) ; albumen 

 between fleshy and cartilaginous ; embryo usually distant from the hilum. R. Br. — Herbaceous 

 plants or under-shrubs, often with a tendency to climb. Leaves sometimes with reticulated 

 veins. 



Affinities. So nearly the same as Asphodeleae, that some botanists unite 

 them, others separate them upon different principles from those adopted here, 

 and others strike certain genera off from both the one tribe and the other. The 

 leaves of Smilaceae are broader and shorter, with more of a dicotyledonous 

 appearance than the ensate or grassy ones of Asphodeleae, and the stem has a 

 frequent tendency to twine. Even in Ruscus some trace of this is visible, in. 

 R. racemosus, although there is nothing to indicate it in R. hypophyllum and 

 the like. 



Geography. Found in small quantities in most parts of the world, espe- 

 cially in Asia and N. America. 



Properties. Best known for the diuretic demulcent powers of Smilax 

 Sarsaparilla, which also exist in other species of the same genus. Smilax 

 aspera is a common substitute in the south of Europe. Smilax China has a 

 large fleshy root, the decoction of which is supposed to have virtues equal to 

 that of Sarsaparilla in improving the health after the use of Mercury. Accord- 

 ing to the Abbe Rochon, the Chinese often eat it instead of rice, and it contri- 

 butes to make them lusty. Ainslie, 1. 70. The root of Medeola virginica is 

 stated to be diuretic, and to have some reputation as a hydragogue. Barton, 2. 



